Temoc All Set for Takeoff on 10th Birthday Bash

April 2, 2008

Temoc, the blue-skinned, red-headed, “comet in human form” mascot of UT Dallas, will celebrate his 10th birthday in grand style on Thursday, April 3, in the Student Union.

The party, dubbed “SPACE: His Final Frontier,” will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Pub and Patio and will include cake, frozen drinks, music and giveaways. The celebration will continue from 5 to 8 p.m. with a live DJ, an astrologer, rock band and Dance Dance Revolution games, a Super Smash Brothers video game, food, drinks and more birthday cake. A special alumni presentation for Temoc is planned for 6:30 p.m.

The event will mark Temoc’s final birthday as UT Dallas’ mascot. A new University mascot is in the development stages, with a decision expected soon. It is anticipated that the design could be unveiled in time for Freshman Convocation this fall.

Last February, students faculty and staff participated in a survey about the UT Dallas nickname, and more than 2,700 people voted to remain the Comets. In that same survey, though, 47 percent of voters wanted to select a different mascot.

“Temoc has participated in many wonderful campus events over the past 10 years,” noted Darrelene Rachavong, vice president for student affairs. “Though he will be missed by many, we look forward to a bright start with a new mascot who will foster as much spirit, pride and involvement in UT Dallas.”

Temoc was designed in 1998 by then-student Aaron Aryanpur and was officially adopted as the University’s mascot in April of that year. Originally called Blaze, his name was later changed to Temoc, which is comet spelled backward.

As mascot, Temoc attended sporting events, including volleyball, basketball, soccer and baseball games, and he was even spotted at some of the University’s acclaimed chess matches. Temoc loved new students and attended many freshman-centric activities, such as Welcome Week, convocation and orientation. He also participated alongside students in community service projects and Service Learning programs.

Temoc’s celebration is sponsored by Student Government and the Student Union Activities Advisory Board. Students with disabilities who would like to attend the event should call (972) 883-6158.